Wis., Ohio are set to say "no, thanks" to millions in federal HSR funds

Wisconsin and Ohio appear to be ready to hand back millions in high-speed rail funds to the federal government. Wisconsin Governor-elect Scott Walker reportedly remains committed to returning $810 million, while outgoing Gov. Jim Doyle has put the project on pause through the end of his term. Ohio Governor-elect John Kasich reportedly wants to divert $400 million in passenger-rail funds to freight-rail projects, although federal officials have said the money can't be redirected. There is a "difference of opinion about the value of a Midwest high-speed rail network," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a letter to Walker.